2019

ANNUALREP ORT

CONTENTSA LETTER FROM MIKE 3

FOUNDATION 5

SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER AT A GLANCE 6

PILLARS AND IMPACT AREAS 8

ATHLETE AMBASSADORS 9

OUR SIGNATURE EVENTS 10

OUR SUPPORTORS 12

OUR DONORS 14

Warrior Park Athletics Inc. recognizes sport and physical activity as a form of medicine. Participation in sport is emerging as an essential lens to better understand issues around community, health, colonialism, culture, gender, and self-determination. (Forsyth & Giles, 2013). Located in Historic Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, Warrior Park Athletics serves as a polycultural sport for development compound to explore and measure how activity can help improve the lives of communities.20

19

ANNUALREP ORT

2 WARRIOR PARK ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2019

A LETTER FROM MIKE,DEAR FRIENDS

Sport and Activity have always been a

central theme in the Six Nations community. For a

great deal of our youth it presents a sense of purpose and direction, and, in many cases, gives them a platform to overcome barriers. In the Truth and Reconciliation Report (2015), sport and recreation are identified as tools for social development to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities. Beginning in 2018 a group of like-minded individuals mobilized with a central theme in mind: By harnessing the medicinal power of sport to strengthen our youth we could in turn nourish the health of the entire community. Running parallel to this concept is the Haudenosaunee value of the Seventh Generation which speaks to those who are not yet born but who will inherit the world. This principle stems from the philosophy that when making a decision we must first consider how it will impact our descendants. Warrior Park Athletics understands that everyone has a special gift or talent that can be used to benefit the larger community. We also believe that through a sport for development lens, youth have an opportunity to unlock their own personal gifts to create positive change.

In 2019 our focus turned to community development through collaborations with both internal and external partners who deliver best-in-class service that support our four pillars: Community, Education, Activity and Nutrition. It was only through these strategic social investments and driven by community need that we were able to continue to use the power of sport in supporting the health of the community.

The Haudenosaunee are known for being an agricultural society, due to the practice of planting crops like corn, beans and squash, sometimes known as the three sisters, together to encourage growth. Warrior

Park Athletics applies the same approach to the cultivation of our youth. Although

our primary focus is on Indigenous children and youth due to the

community we are rooted in, we also recognize the need to foster healthy relationships with non-Indigenous communities. For this reason, our doors are open

to any and all interested parties excited to see what exists Beyond

the Pines. Polyculture is a form of agriculture in which “more than

one species is grown at the same time and place” i.e. the three sisters. It is this

polycultural approach to programming that Warrior Park Athletics believes will give us the best opportunity to grow as people. Understanding other cultures, races and ethnic groups can go a long way in promoting respect among all nations around the world as many of the stereotypes are created unintentionally by observers who do not understand the culture. Warrior Park understands through sport that our commonalities become painstakingly obvious. 

3WARRIOR PARK ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2019

The focus of 2020 will be the construction of our new facility.  The facility will be the first collaborative space in an Indigenous community to leverage sport and education to promote social change and will feature a multi-purpose ninja-warrior course, classroom and a teaching kitchen.  Recognizing that obesity rates in Indigenous communities are at an all-time high; and Indigenous peoples living in Canada are among the highest-risk populations for diabetes and related complications; Warrior Park will introduce nutrition programs which will include hands-on cooking lessons, shopping on a budget and meal preparation. Programming will continue to focus on sport under the four pillars:  Community, Education, Activity and Nutrition. Our goal is to make kids the best well-rounded person they can be. Classes will help develop confidence, boost strength and stamina, and improve cardiovascular health, all in a safe environment. 

The remarkable achievements of the past year would not have been possible without the support of various community members and businesses. Nya:weh for believing in our dream and for your continued enthusiasm as we share our purposeful plan for the future. We’re planning continued strong return on investment for our donors and more opportunities for children and youth to achieve their dreams through the medicine of sport.

MICHAEL HILL,

Founder

4 WARRIOR PARK ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FOUNDATIONIn the Haudenosaunee story of the Peacemaker the Tree demonstrates how peace can grow if it is nurtured. Much like a tall tree, sport can also provide protection and comfort. Like the Great White Pine, sport spreads its protective branches to create an environment to gather and unify. Sport also creates roots that rise out of the ground so people can trace their journey to the source. Additionally, the sacred tale speaks of an eagle that sits atop the tree serving as an ever vigilante protector of the peace. It is Warrior Park Athletics’ hope that like the eagle atop the tree, youth can use sport as a catalyst in becoming change agents within their communities and lives.

MISSIONTo improve the lives of youth by creating experiences, building sustainable programs, and empowering individuals through activity and education.

OUR APPROACHLocated in Historic Six Nations of the Grand River, Warrior Park Athletics serves as an energetic ‘sport for development space’ to explore and measure how activity can help improve the lives of communities. Our 5400sq ft. space will be a cultivator for collaboration. In addition to sport programs, we will also cater to birthday parties, school field trips, mobile outreach, and PA days/kids camps. Additionally, we anchor partners who deliver best-in-class programming that support our 4 Pillars of Community, Education, Activity, and Nutrition.

PROCESSWarrior Park Athletics is a place where youth use sport to recognize and reach their potential. We employ a Sport for Development approach. Sport for Development is a strategy that suggests the deliberate use of physical activity and sport can help people reach their full potential and assist in the creation of healthy communities. Sport is a very powerful medicine, and we believe that by providing knowledge and resources kids and families will be able to make positive, healthy lifestyle choices.

COLLABORATIONThe facility will be the first collaborative space in an Indigenous community to leverage sport and, education to promote social change and will feature a multi-purpose ninja warrior course, classrooms and a teaching kitchen. Programming will focus on the four pillars with sport at the core.

REMOVING BARRIERS TO SPORT & CREATING RELATIONSHIPS CRITICAL FOR RECONCILIATION TO WORKIndigenous youth face far too many barriers in accessing adequate sport and recreation programs in their communities. In the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, points 87-91 all focused on improving Indigenous sport. Call to action number 88 specifically states a need for governments to ensure there is a long-term athlete development model in place for Indigenous Canadians. We know that when social issues relate to sport, it magnifies results. We create equal opportunities for kids by giving them access to sport programs while consciously developing life skills to support their physical, mental, and spiritual development.

5WARRIOR PARK ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2019

SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER AT A GLANCEHEALTH• 55.2% of Six Nations community members are

not involved in physical exercise

• Cardiovascular disease at Six Nations is 2-3x higher than national rates

• Diabetes is approximately 5x higher than national occurrences

• High-blood pressure is 2x higher than national average

• Obesity Rates are 2x higher than national rates.

ACCESS• There is a lack of structured Sport and Activity

programs within the community. Families must travel to Brantford or Hamilton.

• No public Transportation.

• Little or no Access to sports equipment.

• The community remains a bit of a food desert with 46.7% of community members wanting a community grocery store. (2009 Six Nations New Credit Economic Leakage Study)

“We don’t get a lot of time to play at school, but at Warrior Park we’re able to play for as long as we want!”

Six Nations Youth

MAY 2019

Inclusion Event Six Nations Health Services.

JULY 2019

McMaster Youth Movement Indigenous Field Day Ron Joyce Stadium. Indigenous Studies Department.

AUGUST 2019

Warrior Park Community Combine Six Nations Parks and Recreation. Dajoh Youth and Elders Centre.

SEPTEMBER 2019

Back to School Event Six Nations Child and Family Services.

“Kids in sports stay out of courts,” Six Nations former

elected Chief Ava Hill

OUR TIMELINE

6 WARRIOR PARK ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 20196 WARRIOR PARK ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2019

COST• $1000 per child- Canadians spend an average of

$1,000 per child on youth sports every year, the most per capita, in the world, therefore making it unaffordable for most of the children living in low-income households.

• $43,516 Average income of a Six Nations household (Data Source: SNHLFS; Brant County data, Statistics Canada LFS)

MENTORSHIP• 13 Number of attempted suicides in 2016• 24% of those who drink report alcohol to be a factor

in disruption of work or family matters at some time in their lives.

• Increasing school drop out rates

• Six Nations has an unemployment rate of 25.3% compared to Brantford at 7.9%

“I don’t have any worries or stress to deal with when I come to Warrior Park.”

Six Nations Youth

SEPTEMBER 2019

Six Nations Fall Fair Six Nations Agricultural Society.

SEPTEMBER 2019

Six Nations Health Services World Suicide Prevention Day Colour Run Event.

OCTOBER 2019

Hamilton Tiger-Cats Youth Movement Cheque Presentation and Warrior Park Combine Tim Hortons Field.

NOVEMBER 2019-APRIL 2020

Heart and Hussle Six Nations Child and Family Services.

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGEFACTORSSeveral factors and issues served to contextualize the formation, efforts and results of Warrior Park. Foremost amongst these was the need to acknowledge the trauma of colonialism and racism within Canadian culture generally, and within the field of athletics and recreation specifically. In turn, Warrior Park Athletics recognized the potential and opportunity to develop and implement experiences and programs using the insights of anti-racist, de-colonizing and indigenizing philosophies.

To achieve their dreams, kids need an opportunity to develop. Development occurs through supportive leadership and sustainable programming. That’s what Warrior Park Athletics gives them. It’s so much more than a gym; it’s a cultivator for collaboration – At Warrior Park Athletics we use sport to address some of the most significant issues facing youth today: physical health, mental health, education and nutrition.

7WARRIOR PARK ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2019 7WARRIOR PARK ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2019

PILLARS AND IMPACT AREASCOMMUNITYWe believe that when it comes to supporting young people, we are stronger together. We partner with community organizations both internally and externally to design and deliver programming for youth that supports our Education, Activity, and Nutrition pillars. We build off each other’s knowledge and resources to promote social equity awareness, and create positive change in social, economic, and environmental factors for children and their families. We are committed to developing confident leaders in the communities we serve by providing learning opportunities and tools that enhance their knowledge and skills.

COLLABORATORS

ACTIVITYDiabetes and obesity rates are currently at an all time high in Indigenous communities in Canada. About eight in 10 Indigenous Canadians who are young adults will develop Type 2 diabetes in their lifetimes compared with five in 10 in the general population.

Warrior Park Athletics is committed to providing quality sport programming for our members. Warrior Park Athletics programs are aligned with Long-Term Athlete Development stages with a Sport for Development lens and application. Programs focus on age and stage appropriate skills that promote physical literacy and life skills through sport and activity. Warrior Park training is not specialized, and like few programs out there, focuses on athletes, not the sport. Our goal is to make kids the best well rounded athlete they can be. Classes will help develop confidence, boost strength and stamina, and improve cardiovascular health, all in a safe environment. Warrior Park Athletics warrior course also helps kids improve balance, agility, and flexibility.

COLLABORATIVE PROGRAM HOURS

500+PROGRAM HOURS 1000

“Warrior Park Athletics has the unique

opportunity to harness the unifying power of sports, produce real change, and create a

new paradigm for an indigenous

community.”John Williams Director McMaster Youth Movement

8 WARRIOR PARK ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2019

NUTRITIONSuspected reasons for these high rates of diabetes and obesity in Indigenous populations also include lack of access to nutritionally adequate food. The top dietary culprit that comes to mind are beverages. Some people drink up to two litres of pop a day, which increases their blood sugar levels dramatically. These issues must be addressed so Indigenous people can eat well for good health. Many lower income families sacrifice healthy meals for quick low-cost fast food because it’s easy and affordable accessibility. The ability to shop on a budget is an important skill to have as a community grocery store still does not exist in the Six Nations Community.

At WPA, it is one of our goals to help tackle these issues

by empowering children and their families to live healthier lives. Our programs empower children to

make healthy lifestyle options. We provide

age-appropriate nutrition education that helps with the

adoption of healthy food choices that directly contribute to the improved health and well-being of students. From showing families how to shop on a budget to bringing in dieticians, WPA nutritional programs look forward to creating opportunities where we can help kids and their families live healthier, happier lives!

EDUCATIONThrough educational programming and initiatives, we aim to promote social equity awareness, encourage collaboration and create positive change in social, environmental, and economic factors for children and families. We are committed to developing confident leaders in the communities we serve by providing learning opportunities and tools that enhance their knowledge and skills.

“One thing all Indigenous peoples have in

common is just how much family means to us. At Warrior Park Athletics, kids get to experience

that feeling of family. Jeremiah Masoli

Quarterback Hamilton Tiger-Cats

“Being Black Indigenous myself I know how much it means to hear from someone with a similar background. It gives kids a belief that they can do it as well.”Maleek Irons Hamilton Tiger-Cats Running back

ADDITIONAL SERVICES• BIRTHDAY PARTIES• SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS• INDIGENOUS MOBILE

OUTREACH

ATHLETE AMBASSADORS

9WARRIOR PARK ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2019

RESEARCH AND EVALUATIONThe field of recreation has deep roots grounded within societal needs, community needs, and individual needs.

Many Indigenous communities are concerned about risk-taking behavior of youth, single-parent households, drug and alcohol abuse, and the growing need for public open spaces. Obesity is a primary example of a social concern that Warrior Park Athletics is well positioned to address.

At Warrior Park Athletics we evaluate each of our programs to ensure they are making an impact in our members lives. Our data collection initiatives are motivating, interactive, and incentive based. We partner with community health care provider’s, universities, and youth focused organizations to test new idea’s. Through these multi-stakeholder partnerships we are able to assess that programs are evidence based while at the same time providing mutual benefits with organizations looking to use activity to create social change.

“Warrior Park Athletics has brought together a winning

formula for Indigenous kids by applying a holistic approach of engagement and motivational activities..

through collaboration of multiple services

and agencies they are a model for youth wellness”.

Dawn Hill phd anthropology. Founder McMaster University Indigenous Studies.

10 WARRIOR PARK ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2019

OUR SIGNATURE EVENTSWarrior Park Athletics is grateful to receive generous support from community organizations and volunteers every year. We work closely with local businesses, educational institutions, and individuals to bring innovative charitable event ideas to life. From personal campaigns to corporate contributions, these community events champion our mission and allow us to harness the power of sport to transform the lives of youth.

Community Christmas Dinner - Warrior Park Athletics has hosted a Christmas Dinner for families from the Six Nations and surrounding communities for the past two years. Last year the dinner took place at Monthill Golf and Country Club where families in need of a helping hand were invited out for an evening of fun, food, and gifts.

Warrior Park Athletics Football Combine at Tim Hortons Field- In partnership with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Football Club. Warrior Park youth were invited out to Tim Hortons Field where they took part in a sport combine put on by Hamilton Tiger-Cat Players.

In association with McMaster University, Warrior Park Athletics collaborated with the Youth Movement at Ron Joyce Stadium for their third annual Field Day camp. The goal of the event is to bring Indigenous youth together from both the Hamilton and Six Nations communities to celebrate culture and promote a healthy active lifestyle.

“In support of the Tiger-Cats commitment to local Indigenous communities, the club partnered with LiUNA to bring forward the Youth Movement Game Day Program. This program gave hundreds of Warrior Park Athletics youth the opportunity to come to Tim Hortons Field to enjoy a Tiger-Cats’ home game including transportation to and from home the stadium, food vouchers and exclusive pre-game field side access during warm-ups.

WARRIOR PARK ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2019 11

“Warrior Park is stepping up to the plate and filling a gap in terms of empowering children and families to lead healthy, active and productive lifestyles.” Ken Hill-Businessman and Philanthropist

OUR SUPPORTORS

“Warrior Park Athletics has demonstrated an ability to use sport as a catalyst in social justice by building a bridge with the community and creating greater opportunities for our Indigenous youth through activity.”Mark Hill- Chief Six Nations of the Grand River

“As diabetes and obesity rates continue to climb in our community, it’s important that we combat these afflictions with well thought out and creative plans of attack. Warrior Park has taken the first step to educate youth on how to break the cycle.”Ava Hill - Six Nations former elected Chief Ava Hill

12 WARRIOR PARK ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2019

13WARRIOR PARK ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2019

OUR DONORS Our work in the community would not be possible without the support of incredible donors. Our ability to inspire change is a direct result of their generous gifts. Thank you for your unbelievable support in helping us level the playing field.

Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation

Pro Fit Health Club

Monthill Golf and Country Club

Jukasa Radio

ILA Sports

Kanata Fuels

Caledonia Garden Centre

Arrow Express Sports

Wahta Springs

Jukasa Motor Speedway

Erlind’s Restaurant

Two Row Times

T-N-T Fast Foods

JR Wetlands

Peter James Concrete

Jukasa Designs

Cargo Ease

Village Café

Hamilton Fitness Solutions

Sit N Bull Gas and Convenience

Oasis 54 Gas and Convenience

Carney Elijah Foundation

Mohawk Farms

The Krib 52

Jeff’s Lawn Care

14 WARRIOR PARK ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2019

WARRIOR PARK ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT 2019 15

1679 Cayuga Rd, Ohsweken,

ON N0A 1M0Phone: (519) 771-2071

warriorparkathletics.ca www.facebook.com/warriorparkathletics

@warriorparkathletics